"With every passing minute, it becomes more and more apparent that our world is one community. The Encyclopedia of Community serves as recognition of this trend and as a needed resource. The four-volume set not only explains the emerging buzz words of community such as 'social capital' or 'civic engagement' but also tells many stories of community institutions that work, such as public libraries." -- Sarah Ann Long "A timely, comprehensive, and very welcome overview of a rich and rapidly growing field of inquiry." -- Robert D. Putnam, Professor "As we yearn to connect with our fellow citizens during these uncertain times, we have a unique moment to encourage greater participation in our democracy and reinvigorate our communities. The Encyclopedia of Community provides a timely, diverse array of theories and practices that will help citizens understand the value of engaging together to make the critical choices that enrich the way we live, learn, work and govern in our local communities. The Encyclopedia deserves a prime spot in the libraries, homes, and offices of all communities that want to invest in a brighter future for their residents and their children." -- Nancy Kranich, Past President "American politicians often pair the word 'community' with the word 'freedom' to describe our basic values. Yet, though used constantly, the word community is defined in widely different and contested ways. Most people like the idea of community, but some intellectuals worry that it might imply collectivism. The great value of this new Encyclopedia is that it gives readers a chance to sample the many uses of the term and gain clarity about the issues at stake. It is a major contribution to a more coherent understanding of this fundamental idea." -- Robert Bellah, Professor of Sociology, Emeritus " Because the writing is clear and direct and the volumes have a textbook style to which students have grown accustomed, the Encyclopedia of Community is a major resource for high school through college and graduate students...... The extensive list of entries, many sidebars using primary references, the reader's guide, the comprehensive introduction, and resources give the Encyclopedia of Community completeness and depth, and provide the student, social scientist, and historian an essential tool for many and multiple uses." -- Joseph P. Hester * American Reference Books Annual * "Incredibly, this is the first encyclopedia to focus on community as concept and experience, so stands alone in its field as the one title any library must buy to cover this topic. Essential for all readerships." -- CHOICE "This ambitious guide surveys the myriad processes and relationships involved in the communities we establish. . . . Helpful features include a list of all sidebars, plus the repetition in each volume of a reader's guide and list of resources. . . . The result is a tool that will prove essential for the study of sociology for years to come." -- John R.M. Lawrence, Reference Librarian * Lawrence Looks at Books *
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